2019 URBAN OCTOBER: FG Calls for Collective Resolve for Sustainable Urban Development

Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, has called for a collective reflection, stocktaking and strengthening partnerships, to accelerate action in the pursuit for sustainable urban development in Nigeria.

Fashola made the call in his keynote address at the commemoration of the 2019 World Habitat Day and World Cities Day yesterday in Abuja.

The 2019 Urban October has the themes:“Frontier technologies as an innovative tool to transform waste to wealth” and “Changing the World: Innovations and a Better Life for Future Generations “

The Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engr. Abubakar D.Aliyu, read the keynote address on behalf of Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola,SAN, the Minister of Works and Housing.

Fashola said we all have the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and build the type of cities we desire for our good health and well-being, and for that of our future generation.

Fashola disclosed that in partnership with  UN Habitat  the Federal Government had embarked on the review of the National Urban Development Policy as well as implementing urban renewal and slum upgrading programmes in several urban communities  across the country.

With a view to creating smart and sustainable cities across the nation, the minister maintained that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has not relented in its commitment to making sure that Nigerians have a better life by addressing the housing and infrastructure challenges and those posed by unplanned cities which led to increased slums and shanties.

He listed the various programmes already embarked upon by the Government through his ministry, which include: the on-going National Housing Programme, the launch of the National Maintenance Framework for Public Building as well as the review of the Urban Development Policy.

In his welcome address the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mohammed  Bukar, said the celebration of the World Cities Day around the world was to enable us view cities as drivers and incubators of innovations,  industries, technology, entrepreneurship  and creativity in ground breaking ways to achieve lasting impacts on the communities, and to ensure that "No one and no place is left behind as we build the future we want."

In her goodwill message, the Executive Director, UN HABITAT, Mrs. Maimunah Moh Sharif, called on stakeholders to identify ways to overcome challenges confronting urbanisation in a way that everyone’s life could be improved.

She noted that cities are the best place of innovation and creativity, assuring that UN Habitat would be ready to fully support the Federal Government in her bid to create  sustainable urbanization.

The Chairman Senate committee on Housing, Senator Sam Egwu represented by his Vice, Senator Oyelola Isa Ashiru pledged the Committee’s full support towards achieving a sustainable development of our cities.

The highlights of the event were:the Honourable Minister’s inspection of the exhibition stands and presentation of gifts to students of Witty Might Academy, Holy Child Educational Homes and Fine Trust Academy for song rendition, poem and drama presentation at the 2019 Urban October celebrations.

FG To Erring Contractors, Up Your Games Or Face Sanctions

The Zonal Director of the National Housing Programme in the North- West, Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Architect Joseph Toluhi, has urged erring contractors handling the on going construction of housing project in Kebbi State to step up their games or face necessary sanctions.

He noted that contractors, who fails to perform diligently on the job will have to give way for others to be engaged, adding that relevant clauses in the contract agreement can be invoke for appropriate sanctions.

This was contained in a statement by the Zonal Director on Wednesday in Biriin Kebbi during the North-West inspection tour to the project site.

Toluhi stated that the federal government is committed to provide decent and affordable housing to its teeming population and reduce the housing deficit in the country, adding that the NHP project is designed for the medium income earners who have the affordable means to acquire these houses across the nation.

The National Housing Programme, Kebbi State consist of 76 housing units of 1bedroom, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms semi-detached bungalows, are being handled by 19 indigenous contractors.

In a similar development, the zonal inspection team led by Toluhi also visited the National Housing Programme site in Sokoto State to have on-the-spot assessment of the on going construction works which has reached 95 per cent completion stage.

“I must say that I am pleased and happy with the level of progress of work on this site because we have a very high level of competition. Most of the building here have been completed”. He noted that out of 20 contractors engaged, 12 of them have already been completed while four are yet to be roofed.

According to him, “this means, we are ready to move into these buildings. The infrastructure such as water supply, road arterial and water supply have reached a very high level of completion”.

The Team Leader in Sokoto State, Mr lliya Kastuda also confirmed that construction work has reached 95 percent completion, adding that there is provision of worship centers, school, market to give necessary comfort and police post to ensure adequate security within the housing estate.

The zonal Director and other officials of the Ministry inspected a similar project in Gusau, Zamfara State, which is put at 65% completion stage. He however expressed disappointment in the poor quality of job done, stressing that government will not tolerate sub-standard jobs from any contractor.

Introductory Remarks by the Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Mohammed Bala Saulawa at the 13^th Meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development hold in Gombe - Gombe state from Monday, 11^th to Friday, 15^th November, 2024

Protocol

1.      Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed professional and honoured guests, I am delighted and indeed privileged to welcome you to this historic meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development. Today, we convene under the timely theme “Housing the future: Affordable Housing for Economic Growth, Climate Resilient and Urban Development”. This year’s Council meeting promises to be pivotal, as we delve into eight (8) critical sub-themes, each accompanied by comprehensive memoranda for vigorous deliberation.  Over the next few days, we will engage in insightful discussions, share expert expertise and forge innovative solutions to propel our Nation’s housing sector forward.

2.      As you are aware, the National Council is the highest body that deals with the initiating of policy formulation, adoption and ensuring the implementation of the key decision of the Council Meeting. Also, we recognize the significance of this document in shaping the future of our housing sector and today, we have an opportunity to review and provide input on this critical document.

3.      It is imperative to note that the 13^th Meeting of the Council is structured into these dimensional Sessions:

• Technical Meeting of the Directors whilst to review the Memoranda and fine-tune the recommendations for onward presentation to Permanent Secretaries Sessions.
• The Permanent Secretaries Session is an avenue to discuss further on the recommendations made by the Technical Meeting of the Directors, and Ministerial Session.
• The Council which is to be presided over by the Honourable Minister with the attendance of Commissioners of 36 States in Housing Sector.

4.      These Sessions are expected to bring about housing policies that will alleviate the difficulties of providing the affordable houses in Nigeria, provide equilibrium in demand and supply of housing market and tackle rapid increase of building collapse in Nigeria. The housing sector policy in Nigeria is crucial for addressing the country's significant housing needs. Housing is considered the second most important human need, after food, and is essential for human survival. Despite this, Nigeria's housing sector contributes a mere 0.38% to the country's GDP.

Effective housing policies can have far-reaching benefits, including:

1. Economic Growth: A well-developed housing sector can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and increase GDP.
2. Social Stability: Access to affordable housing can improve living standards, reduce poverty, and promote social stability.
3. Infrastructure Development: Housing development can drive infrastructure growth, including roads, utilities, and community facilities.

5.      To achieve these benefits, Nigeria's housing policy should focus on the following key aspects:

1. Affordable housing by providing options for low-income earners.
2. Accessibility and inclusivity by ensuring housing is accessible to all, including the less privileged, the old, and those with disabilities.
3. Sustainable development by Promoting sustainable housing development practices and environmentally friendly materials.
4. Regulatory frameworks
5. Public-private partnerships

As professionals in the housing sector, your insights and expertise are vital. I encourage open and constructive dialogue to ensure this policy aligns with our shared vision.

Our objectives are clear:

1. 1. Improving access to affordable housing
   2. Enhancing quality of life for our citizens
   3. Fostering sustainable and inclusive communities
   4. Supporting economic growth and development

Also, as we deliberate, let us consider the following questions:

1. 5. How can we balance affordability with quality and sustainability?
   5. What innovative solutions can we adopt to address housing challenges?
   5. How can we ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all?

6.      By prioritizing these areas, Nigeria's housing sector policy will play a vital role in improving the lives of its citizens and driving national development. However, various dimensional experts, professionals and other stakeholders are expected to get their buy-in ideas for housing policy development. Your contributions will shape the future of our housing policy by engaging in productive discussions to produce meaningful outcomes.

7.      In view of the utmost importance of this National Housing Council, I enjoin all of you to display high level of professionalism, expertise and your technical reservoir knowledge on housing sector.

8.      I want to align my expectations on the confidence reposed on our esteem Directors, stakeholders, Secretariat as well as other participants who are here to enrich our meeting with valuable contributions towards a successful outcome of the Council.

9.      On this note, I wish to assure you that the Ministry in collaboration with the Gombe State Government has made adequate preparation for the smooth conduct of this great Council meeting.

10.    Before I conclude, I would like to extend my profound gratitude to the Honourable Minister for his kind support in all ramifications, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development as well as Gombe state Government for hosting the event and providing enabling environment for the Meeting.

11.    Thank you all for your concerted effort.

Keynote address delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Marcus O. Ogunbiyi, at the launch of Performance Management day at the Ministry’s Headquarter, Mabushi, Abuja on 10th October 2024.

Protocols:

It is with immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I am with you today to officially launch the weekly Performance Management System (PMS) Day in our esteemed Ministry.

2.       This is the beginning of a transformative journey for us as we heed the directive from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, which mandates every Thursday to be set aside for activities related to Performance Management System in the Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies and be christened “PMS Day”.

3.       This directive is not just a routine exercise; it is a call to action for all of us to fully embrace the vision of an efficient, effective, responsive and performance-based Federal Civil Service.

4.       Performance Management System is a tool for goal and target setting, appraisal and monitoring of employee performance and the delivery of institutional mandates. It provides a systematic process of planning work, setting targets, providing support to employees and measuring results.

5.       It also provides the framework for continuous tracking of employees’ performance in a manner that is consistent and measurable, for developing and improving their capacities to perform on their jobs and for motivating them for increased productivity.

6.       The institutionalization of a functional performance management system being one of the six pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025, (FCSSIP25) will improve efficiency and productivity in the public service and is key to achievement of the objectives of the ongoing reform initiatives and culture re-orientation in the Public Service.

7.       It will also ensure appropriate linkage of key government tools towards the attainment of national development goals and entrench a merit-based system in the Public Service. As a matter of fact, institutionalizing PMS is a cornerstone for our efforts to transform the entire Nigerian Public Service as a result-based and performing institution. PMS is an essential tool that provides a guide for the MDAs’ operations as we seek to reclaim our enviable position in delivering high-quality services to the Nigerian people.

8.       The introduction of PMS has remained a timely project, and I have no doubt that it is exactly what the Federal Civil Service needs at this critical time to elevate our service delivery standards, enhance accountability, and build a positive culture of productivity, consequent management and continuous improvement in both personnel and institutional performance.

9.       Today, as we launch the PMS Day in the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, we are not just institutionalizing a PMS weekly activity in the Ministry; we are reinforcing our commitment to excellence that has been the guiding ethos of the Ministry in the achievements of its deliverables of the Presidential Priorities and the implementation of the FCSSIP25 reform initiatives.

10.     It is crucial to understand that the full implementation and institutionalisation of PMS is not just the responsibility of a few; it is a collective responsibility that spans all levels of our Ministry, from the most senior management cadre to the lowest-ranked officers, including security personnel and the janitorial service providers. Everyone has a vital role to play in ensuring that PMS is not just a beautiful policy on paper but a living, breathing organisational culture within the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

11.     To all Directorate level officers, you are the leaders and the vision bearers of your respective departments. As PMS supervisors, your roles in driving this initiative cannot be overstated. Your commitment to the institutionalization of PMS in your respective departments are what will inspire and motivate other staff and team members to follow suit. You are the ones who will set the tone for accountability and performance at the departmental levels, and I urge you to lead by example.

12.     I commend all the Departments and Units that have cascaded signing of performance contracts with staff. We have no place to hide. We have been a performing Ministry. We are determined and we shall continue to perform because PMS has come to stay in this Ministry. To move our sector and country forward, you and I must embrace this world-best practice and your department should not be a reason for the Ministry to lose its enviable high-ranking position as one of the leading MDAs in the implementation of Federal Government reforms and programmes.

13.     To our middle and junior-level officers, your dedication and hard work are the bedrock of our Ministry’s success. The PMS is designed to recognize and reward your contributions, ensuring that your efforts are aligned with our shared vision and that your professional growth is supported.

14.     I encourage you to see this initiative as an opportunity to showcase your talents, sharpen your skills, and play active roles in the development of our Ministry and the nation at large.

15.     It is normal for a very young Ministry like ours to face some challenges especially in a housing and urban development sector with a high level of expectations in creating possibilities for social infrastructure as enabler for growth. These have not in any way deterred the Ministry from exploring possibilities and innovative ways of bringing about possible solutions including partnering with our stakeholders to be able to deliver on the Ministry’s mandate as expected.

16.     However, with the full implementation of the PMS, we have a robust framework that allows us to measure our progress, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate our successes. It is a tool that will guide our decision-making processes and ensure that every action we take contributes to the fulfillment of our mandates in formulating and implementing the policies, programmes and projects of the Federal Government of Nigeria in the Housing and Urban Development sector.

17.     As we set aside every Thursday to focus and reflect on our PMS activities, let us all commit to these sessions with the seriousness they deserve. Let us use this time to evaluate our performances, identify the gaps that need addressing, and collaboratively find solutions that will drive our Ministry forward. The PMS Day is our collective space for reflection, learning, and growth.

18.     In conclusion, I am confident that if we fully embrace the PMS, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development will set the benchmark for other Ministries to follow. Together, we can create a public service that is responsive, innovative, and committed to excellence.

19.     Thank you for your commitment and dedication, and I look forward to working with all of you to make this initiative a success. It is on this note that I hereby launch today and every other Thursday as the PMS Day in the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

20.     Thank you and God bless.